A majestic valley oak in the Cosumnes River Preserve
Majestic Valley Oak

A tree of inland California: a broad-crowned valley oak
Endemic to the valleys and wooded foothills of California, valley oak (Quercus lobata) is found in savannas and riparian forest. Trees can reach a height of 130 feet or more. The picture shows a majestic specimen you will encounter while looping the River Walk Trail in Central Valley's Cosumnes River Preserve. The park's Nature Trail Guide handout introduces this tree as a “likely home to many nesting birds and rodents.” Indeed, there is a lot of space and shade under its broad crown with drooping branches. Valley oaks can tolerate a hot dry summer season and even wild fires, but require abundant groundwater. Growing less than a mile north from the Cosumnes River with its band of riparian forest, this valley oak thrives at a comfortable place—and delights arboreal enthusiasts.
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Cosumnes River Preserve